Ruth Mappes Helgemo

Ruth Mappes Helgemo, 84, of Edwardsville, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2023, at Allied Hospice Center after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, May 11, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Otto and Margaret Kern Mappes.

She was a graduate of Meyers High School, Class of 1957. Throughout her childhood, she helped her father in his bakery business, Margie's Bake Goods, up until her graduation. She worked as a teller at the Wyoming National Bank before joining the Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company as a secretary for the national advertising department.

Not long after starting this new position, her future husband saw her through the window while heading down the alley to the mail room. Their courtship blossomed into a beautiful relationship anchored in their shared faith in Jesus Christ that spanned 61½ years of wedded bliss.

Ruth was baptized into her faith at St. Peter's Lutheran Church and remained a member of the church throughout her life. She was an active member of the Walther League, the church choir and was a Sunday School and VBS teacher. She loved to teach the children to sing as well as learn about the truths and teachings of the Bible.

Ruth was also an active community volunteer for over 25 years working with NAMI Wilkes-Barre as well as founding the OCD Support Group in the Wyoming Valley. She founded the NAMI Walk that continues to this day to help bring awareness, compassion, support and understanding for people struggling with mental health issues.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepmother, Irene Glatz Mappes; and sisters, Margaret Higgins and Doris Toennes.

Surviving are her husband, William R. Helgemo Sr.; son, William and Ruth Goldman Helgemo Jr., Chicago, Ill.; daughters, Kathryn Helgemo and partner, Kathie Null, Lawrenceville; Grace Helgemo, Kingston; Amy Janosky and her husband, Bill, Hunlock Creek; grandchildren, Ryan Helgemo; Eric Helgemo; Sara Helgemo; William Janosky III; and Jacob Janosky; special friend, Chyanne Jones-Null; and 24 nieces and nephews.

The Helgemo family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Bruce Saidman, oncologist, and to Allied Hospice Center for their compassionate care they provided to Ruth.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1000 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. Calling hours will be held from 10 a.m. to service time.

Arrangements are entrusted to Kniffen O'Malley Leffler Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc of Wilkes-Barre.

Memorial contributions in Ruth's name may be made to Medical Oncology Associates Cancer Treatment Center, 382 Pierce St., Kingston, PA 18704; or St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1000 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706.

Condolences can be left at KniffenFuneralHome.com.